NORPIC TEACHING STAFF & Supervisors

Dr. Jennifer Welsh - Psychologist at Children’s Centre Thunder Bay

Dr. Welsh completed her Bachelor of Science degree at Saint Mary’s University in Halifax, Nova Scotia, in 1999.  She moved to Thunder Bay, Ontario, in 2001 to complete her Master and Ph.D. degrees in Clinical Psychology at Lakehead University.  In 2006, Dr. Welsh completed her internship with the Kingston Internship Consortium, affiliated with Queen’s University.  That year of training focused on working with individuals with developmental disabilities across the lifespan.  Dr. Welsh accepted a position working with children and adolescents in rural and northern communities in 2007.  Her work is based mainly in assessment and consultation, and she enjoys the variety and experience of being a generalist practitioner.  Establishing collaborative working practices with other disciplines and agencies who serve the north is an integral component to her work.  Dr. Welsh is an independent and registered psychologist with the College of Psychologists of Ontario.  Personally, she enjoys traveling to the East Coast often to visit family, while scrapbooking and snowshoeing are favorite leisure activities.  

Dr. Aislin Mushquash - Psychologist at Dilico Anishinabek Family Care

Dr. Aislin Mushquash is an Associate Professor in the Department of Psychology at Lakehead University and the Director of the Coping Research Lab. Research in her lab focuses on understanding how and why people cope with adverse experiences or stressful life events, and evaluating innovative e-mental health solutions to support adaptive coping. Dr. Mushquash is also a Clinical Psychologist with Dilico Anishniabek Family Care where she provides assessment, intervention (individual and group), and consultation for First Nation’s children, youth, adults, and families. Dr. Mushquash incorporates techniques from cognitive behavioural therapy, motivational interviewing, mindfulness, and dialectical behaviour therapy into her clinical practice. She has received specialized training in providing dialectical behaviour therapy and prolonged exposure.

Dr. Elaine Toombs - Psychologist at Dilico Anishinabek Family Care

Dr. Elaine Toombs is a registered clinical psychologist at Dilico Anishinabek Family Care. She works in 13 First Nation communities in the Robinson Superior Treaty Area to provide on-reserve assessment, intervention, and consultation services for First Nation children, adolescents, and adults. Although Dr. Toombs approaches her work predominately from a trauma-informed, cognitive-behavioural lens, she integrates various aspects of additional culturally-relevant psychological treatment models, including acceptance and commitment therapy and dialectical behavioural therapy.

In addition to her clinical work, Dr. Toombs is a Canadian Institutes of Health Research Banting postdoctoral fellow and adjunct professor in the Department of Psychology at Lakehead University. Her research primarily focuses on First Nations mental health using community-based methods, including how various culturally-relevant interventions can be used to improve health outcomes in First Nation communities. As a co-investigator, Dr. Toombs has held over 1.5 million dollars in research funding to date, and has published over 30 peer-reviewed manuscripts in a variety of scientific journals on topics related to First Nation mental health, resilience, and wellbeing.

Dr. Michelle Keightley

Neuropsychologist - FIREFLY, Kenora, Ontario

Dr. Michelle Keightley is a Neuropsychologist who received her B.Sc. (Hons.) in Psychology from Trent University in Peterborough, Ontario and her M.A. and Ph.D. in Psychology, with the Collaborative Program in Neuroscience, from the University of Toronto. Dr. Keightley completed her pre-doctoral placement at the Toronto Rehabilitation Institute in Neurology Services in Toronto.  Postdoctoral training included the Community Mental Health Services program at Lakehead Psychiatric Hospital in Thunder Bay.  Dr. Keightley provides clinical neuropsychological services for the Northwestern Ontario FASD Clinic (hosted by Firefly) as well as the Department of Psychology at SickKids (The Hospital for Sick Children) across various programs including Neurology, Oncology/Hematology and Epilepsy and Metabolic Genetics.  She also holds an appointment as an Adjunct Scientist in the Bloorview Research Institute at Holland Bloorview Kids Rehabilitation Hospital. Dr. Keightley founded and directed the Concussion Centre in the Bloorview Research Institute, as well as the Centre for Leadership in Acquired Brain Injury at Holland Bloorview Kids Rehabilitation Hospital where she was named the inaugural holder of the Holland Family Chair in Acquired Brain Injury. Dr. Keightley has published extensively in the field of acquired brain injury and prenatal alcohol exposure and conducted research in both areas that has been supported by grants received from provincial and national funding organizations. 

Kerri Andrychuk - Psych. Associate at Chronic Pain Program

Kerri-Lynne Capulak Andrychuk has been working at St. Joseph’s Care Group since 1998 in the Chronic Pain Management Program.  She was on the team that created this program in March of 1998.  She obtained her HBA in psychology from Lakehead University and her Master’s degree from the University of Minnesota Duluth.  Ms. Capulak Andrychuk obtained her Psychological Associate designation in 2014.  Her role as a psychological associate on the Chronic Pain Management Program involves individual and group psychotherapy. She uses an integrative approach to psychotherapy that includes EMDR, Interpersonal therapy, CBT and CPT.  She was certified in EMDR in 2018.  

Dr. Allie Kerr - Psychologist with Mental Health Outpatient Program - SJCG

Dr. Kerr completed her PhD at Lakehead University and her residency with NORPIC in 2022.  She accepted a position with the Mental Health Outpatient Program in 2022.

Dr. Nicole Keir - Psychologist with In-Patient Mental Health Rehabilitation Program - SJCG

Dr. Keir obtained her PhD in Clinical Psychology at Lakehead University and completed her Residency training at Ontario Shores Centre for Mental Health Sciences in Whitby, Ontario. Cognitive Behavioural Therapy is the foundation of Dr. Keir’s therapeutic approach, however, in practice, she uses an integrative approach that also includes ACT, DBT, Emotion-Focused, and Compassion-Focused approaches. Currently, she works on an interdisciplinary team as part of the Mental Health Rehabilitation Program (MHRP) at St. Joseph’s Hospital. This inpatient program provides longer-term services to individuals with primary psychotic disorders.  Accordingly, Cognitive Behavioural Therapy for Psychosis (CBTp) is the primary treatment model. Dr. Keir is passionate about providing evidence-based, compassionate care to individuals with chronic, severe mental illness. At the MHRP she provides both individual and group intervention, and conducts both cognitive and psychodiagnostic assessments. Outside of work, Dr. Keir can be found enjoying local restaurants and breweries, watching any one of the Real Housewives franchises, or taking in the unique and beautiful landscape of Thunder Bay via sailing, hiking, or cross country skiing.  

Dr. Victoria Ewen - Psychologist with Mental Health Outpatient Program - SJCG

Dr. Ewen was born and raised in Thunder Bay and completed her undergraduate and graduate education at Lakehead University. She graduated with her doctorate in Clinical Psychology in January 2023. She completed her internship at Sullivan + Associates Clinical Psychology and worked there full time as a Clinical Psychologist for three years before moving to the public mental health system with Mental Health Outpatient Program (MHOP). She has worked with adults with a wide range of presenting difficulties (e.g., anxiety, depression, trauma, OCD, ADHD, autism, personality disorders, psychosis) and engaging in both assessment and treatment. Dr. Ewen draws primarily from Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) in her approach to psychotherapy, integrating Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT) and other forms of Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (e.g., CBTi, ERP, CPT, PE) where appropriate. In her free time, she enjoys spending time with her partner of 25 years and their pet husky.

Melissa Pye, Psychologist, MA 

NORPIC Associate Director for Sioux Lookout First Nations Health Authority

Psychologist - Nodin Mental Health Services

Dr. Tracie Parkinson - Psychologist with Developmental Services & Nodin Mental Health Services - SLFNHA

Dr. Tracie Parkinson is a registered Clinical Psychologist who obtained her Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology from the University of Manitoba. She completed her residency with NORPIC in 2022 and is licensed to practice in Ontario and Manitoba with children, adolescents, and adults. Tracie has a passion for community-based work, complex psychological assessments, and psychotherapy for trauma, attachment, grief, and relationships. She has a particular interest in the impacts of dehumanizing trauma resulting from experiences of oppression. On a foundation of cultural humility, she uses humanistic, integrated, and wholistic approaches that are strength-based, trauma- and genocide-informed, and neuro-affirming. In her clinical practice, Tracie uses Emotion-Focused Therapy, Indigenous Focusing Oriented Therapy, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, and Psychodynamic Psychotherapy. When applicable and appropriate, she also weaves in her knowledge of Eastern philosophy from her training as a certified yoga and meditation instructor. Overall, Tracie aims to balance somatic, emotional, spiritual, and cognitive approaches to healing. Her goal is to meet people where they are at, providing a safe space and wholistic care to support people through their healing journey.

Dr. Melissa Chalmers - Psychologist with Developmental Services - SLFNHA

Dr. Melissa J. Chalmers is a Registered Clinical Psychologist with experience delivering trauma-informed, culturally responsive behavioral health services. She holds a Doctorate in Clinical Psychology from the APA Accredited Minnesota School of Professional Psychology and maintains professional registration in Ontario, Manitoba, and Minnesota. Currently, Dr. Chalmers provides clinical services through the Sioux Lookout First Nations Health Authority Developmental Services. Her professional background includes conducting forensic risk assessment and therapy, as well as serving as an Assistant Professor in the Department of Child and Adolescent Clinical Health Psychology at the University of Manitoba and family focused behavioural health services at Children's Hospital at Health Sciences Centre. In her academic and clinical roles, she has provided comprehensive psychological assessments, trauma-focused interventions, and specialized services to northern communities under Jordan’s Principle.

Dr. Chalmers possesses significant expertise in the assessment and treatment of complex trauma and traumatic grief across the lifespan, utilizing evidence-based modalities such as Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT) and Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR). Her clinical repertoire includes diagnostic evaluations for neurodevelopmental disorders and complex presentations. Throughout her career, she has practiced in diverse settings, including Indigenous dual-diagnosis treatment centers, tribal community clinics, and forensic environments. Dedicated to the advancement of the field, Dr. Chalmers is an experienced educator and clinical supervisor; she has provided instruction at the medical school level, was a clinical supervisor in the University of Manitoba's CPA-accredited residency program, supervised clinical trainees in tribal based behavioural health clinics, and has taught at the tribal college level.

Dr. Darcy Lyn Cantin - Psychologist with Developmental Services - SLFNHA

Dr. Darcy Lyn Cantin was born and raised in Winnipeg and grew up spending her summers exploring the lakes of Northwestern Ontario by canoe, a passion she is thrilled to have passed on to her two children.

She completed her undergraduate degree at the University of Manitoba and her graduate training at the University of Windsor. She completed her residency in the Department of Clinical Health Psychology at Health Sciences Centre before taking on the role of Regional Psychologist for the Department of Family Services and Housing in Thompson, Manitoba. She then spent several years working as the Staff Psychologist on the child and adolescent inpatient mental health unit at Health Sciences Centre and completed additional comprehensive outpatient child and adolescent psychological assessments. Subsequently, she spent a few years working exclusively in private practice, with her practice focusing primarily on treatment of anxious children and teens and diagnostic assessment and ongoing support of autistic children, adolescents and adults. The following 6 years included providing Clinical Health Psychology services to 14 remote northern Indigenous communities in Manitoba in partnership with Keewatinohk Inniniw Minoayawin Inc. (KIM), delivering services through Jordan’s Principle.

She recently started her current position as a psychologist with SLFNHA’s Developmental Services, providing psychological services (assessment, consultation, and intervention) to several of the 33 communities supported by SLFNHA. She continues to work part time in her private practice providing neurodiverse-affirming diagnostic assessments and ongoing supports.

Dr. Suzanne Chomycz - Psychologist with Sullivan + Associates Clinical Psychology

Dr. Chomycz received her doctorate degree in Clinical Psychology from Lakehead University. She is licensed to practice in Ontario and currently resides in her hometown of Thunder Bay. She works both as a clinician and clinical supervisor in a group private practice setting, providing psychotherapy and assessment services to children, adolescents, and adults with various presenting concerns (e.g., depression, anxiety, trauma, learning/attentional difficulties, autism, etc.). She primarily utilizes a strengths-based and cognitive-behavioural framework when working with clients; however, she also integrates mindfulness and acceptance-based approaches.

Dr. Staci Person, Psychologist with Sullivan + Associates Clinical Psychology

Dr. Person obtained her Ph.D. from Lakehead University and completed her predoctoral residency in New Brunswick at Horizon Health Network in 2019-2020. She is a member of Lake Helen First Nation and is currently working as a licensed clinical psychologist in a group private practice setting. In her current role, she conducts psychological assessments and provides individual psychotherapy to children and adolescents with various presenting issues (e.g., autism, attentional issues, learning challenges, depression, anxiety, and trauma). Although she practices primarily from a cognitive behavioural orientation, her work also includes the integration of age-appropriate dialectical behavioural, acceptance and commitment, and mindfulness-based approaches. Outside of her role as a clinician, she continues to be involved in research focused on child strengths and Indigenous wellbeing. 

Dr. Julie Riendeau - Psychologist with the Bariatric Clinic - TBRHSC

Dr. Riendeau obtained her Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology at Lakehead University and completed her residency with the Royal Ottawa Health Care Group. She uses primarily a cognitive-behavioural therapy (CBT) approach; however, she also has training and experience in other approaches including mindfulness-based cognitive therapy (MBCT) and dialectical behaviour therapy (DBT). Dr. Riendeau works at the Thunder Bay Regional Bariatric Care Centre where she conducts assessments, provides individual psychotherapy, and develops and delivers lifestyle management classes for those seeking treatment for weight management. 

Dr. Kristine Knauff - Psychologist with Adult Inpatient Mental Health & Brief Intervention Treatment Team (BITT) - TBRHSC

Dr. Knauff obtained her Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology from Lakehead University in 2014.  During her training, she completed her predoctoral residency in St. John’s, NL at the Memorial University Counselling Centre.  Currently, Dr. Knauff splits her time between the Adult Mental Health program and the Brief Intervention Treatment Team at TBRHSC.  However, she has also worked with the Mental Health Outpatient Program and the Regional Bariatric Care Centre.  In her current role, she is responsible for facilitating inpatient groups, conducting psychodiagnostic and cognitive assessments, and providing brief interventions on both an inpatient and outpatient basis.  Although she practices from a cognitive behavioural foundation, her work also involves integration of dialectical behavioural, mindfulness, and solution focused approaches.  

Sherri Tinnes - Psychological Associate with Brief Intervention Treatment Team (BITT) - TBRHSC

Sherri-Anne Capulak Tinnes obtained her undergraduate degree in psychology from Lakehead University and then went on to complete her masters in clinical psychology from University of Minnesota-Duluth and graduated in 1998.  Sherri has been employed with TBRHSC since April of 2000, starting out on the Pediatric Unit, followed by the Child and Adolescent Mental Health Unit (CAMHU) until 2014.  Since May of 2014, Sherri has worked in the Brief Intervention Treatment Program (BITT) at TBRHSC.  Sherri obtained her Psychological Associate title in December of 2014 and has competencies in both adult and adolescents.  Her professional interests include infertility counseling and critical incident stress management for first responders.  She is certified in EMDR and is an integrative clinician who uses CBT, DBT and strength based modalities geared to the individual client.  Sherri has a twin sister who is a psychological associate employed at SJCG. 

Heather Kozak - Psychological Associate with the Brief Intervention Treatment Team (BITT) - TBRHSC

Heather Kozak is a Psychological Associate with the Brief Intervention Treatment Team at Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Centre. The program provides individual and group therapy to individuals presenting to the ER in mental health crisis. Heather attended and received her Master’s of Science in Clinical Psychology from Eastern Michigan University in 2002. She has worked in outpatient psychology since 2002. Heather was a member of the Comprehensive Dialectical Behaviour therapy team for a number of years. Heather has been the Chairperson for the Mental Illness Awareness Week Committee since 2013.

Dr. Missy Teatero - Psychologist with the Centre for Complex Diabetes Care - TBRHSC

Dr. Teatero completed her masters and PhD at Lakehead University and her internship with NORPIC in 2013-2014.  The Centre provides enhanced support to patients with diabetes and related, collective health issues that require more intensive strategies. Previously, she worked with SJCG within the Mental Health Outpatient Program engaged in Post Partum work, assessment, and evidenced based trauma work.

Dr. Alex Drawson - Psychologist with the In-Patient Child and Adolescent Mental Health Unit - TBRHSC

Dr. Drawson completed her MA and PhD in Clinical Psychology at Lakehead University and her residency with the Northern Ontario Psychology Internship Consortium in 2018. She is currently employed as a psychologist with St. Joseph’s Care Group Child and Adolescent Psychiatry Services (CAPS). She works with children and adolescents, diagnosing and treating a wide range of presenting problems including anxiety, depression, behavioural difficulties, trauma, learning and attentional issues, and psychosis. Dr. Drawson primarily practices from a CBT orientation, but is integrative and incorporates a variety of evidence-based approaches (DBT, ACT, mindfulness). She also manages a program of applied research at CAPS. Her research interests include the impact of sleep and screen use on pediatric mental health, transdiagnostic approaches to the assessment and treatment of mental disorders, rural and northern community well being,  and measure development and validation. She has published in several peer-reviewed journals and presented her research at over 30 national and international conferences.

Dr. Dona Delince Roy

Child Psychologist - Timiskaming First Nation Health and Wellness

Dr. Delince Roy is a registered psychologist. She completed her PhD in Clinical and Research Psychology at the University of Quebec in Montreal. Dr. Delince Roy completed her residency at the Montreal Children’s Hospital in 2016. She acquired her expertise over the past 15 years, working in private and public multidisciplinary settings where the best practices in psychology are applied. She currently has her own private practice where she offers cognitive behavior therapy to children who present with a variety of mental health conditions (ex: youth with neurodevelopmental disorders, anxiety, emotional and behavioral difficulties, interpersonal difficulties and trauma). Dr. Delince Roy is also part of a developmental program that operates as a multidisciplinary team at ELNA Medical pediatric clinic, offering assessments to young children with developmental difficulties. Finally, she is a lecturer at the University of Quebec in Montreal where she offers undergraduate and post graduate level courses on autism spectrum disorder and intellectual disability. She is passionate about the psychological well-being of children and their families and knowledge transfer.

Dr. Michelle Todorow - Clinical & Neuropsychologist with Wikwemikong Health & Wellness Centre

Dr. Michelle Todorow is a licensed psychologist registered with the College of Psychologists of Ontario to practice in clinical and neuropsychology with children and adolescents. She received her Masters and Doctorate degree from York University, and completed most of her clinical training at The Hospital for Sick Children and The Centre for Addiction and Mental Health (CAMH). Dr. Todorow previously worked at Kinark Child and Family Services in various roles, including Staff Psychologist and interim Clinical Lead for the Child and Youth Mental Health Programs in the York and Simcoe regions. In addition to providing direct clinical services at Kinark, Dr. Todorow supervised teams of therapists, provided clinical oversight to day/live-in treatment programs, developed clinical programming, and served as team lead for several DBT programs. Currently, Dr. Todorow works part-time at Anishnawbe Health Toronto and has led their multidisciplinary FASD Diagnostic team since 2019. She is privileged to work closely with traditional healers and other community members, and is continually seeking out and integrating knowledge of Indigenous culture and practices into her clinical work. Dr. Todorow is also the Clinic Director at WellSpirit Psychology, a small private practice in North York. Dr. Todorow has experience working with children and youth presenting with a wide range of mental health and neurodevelopmental challenges (e.g., anxiety, depression, ADHD, LD, ASD, complex trauma). She has over a decade of research and clinical experience in the field of FASD, and this continues to be an area of passion for her today. Her clinical practice is rooted in a culturally-sensitive, trauma-informed, and strength-based model of care. Dr. Todorow is devoted to providing evidence-based therapies (e.g., CBT, DBT, MI) and adapting their delivery for neurodiverse children and youth with complex needs.